When we were planning our trip to New Zealand, everyone who had been there (and even a few who hadn’t) talked about the stunning nature walks. Today I got to experience that for myself. I had to climb half a hill to get to the starting point for the walk.

But what goes up, must come down … then up again, then down, then up… you get the idea. More stairs. So many more stairs.

But it was worth it.

One thing I immediately noticed was the complete absence of annoying bugs. No biting insects, not even annoying things flying around your face. I love that.

And the plants. So many plants.

I liked this one – combining the walking path with the plants helping to shade the path.

And the views. Oh my…

After the walk we had lunch and then we went for a walk along the beach and a swim in the ocean. And in the evening we had a fabulous dinner at the restaurant just around the corner. I don’t believe in heaven, but if I did, it would look a lot like this.